St. Francis of Assisi
A little background about St. Francis. Known to have had a good education and was known to be a street brawler and soldier when he wanted. He spent a year in prison where he had a conversion of heart. He took the Gospels as his rule of life. Dressing in rough clothes, begging, and preaching purity and peace. He visited hospitals and served the sick. In 1209 he received the papal blessing for his order, the Franciscans with the motto: Leave all and follow me. He received the stigmata in 1224. He died in 1226. He was canonized in 1228.
Prior to his conversion I doubt that Francis had any inclination of his future in serving God. Neither did Jonah in today’s first reading. I do not know if there is any way to count but I wonder, just how many vocations started out this way. Wanting nothing or very little to do with God. Even trying to run away from God. God kept speaking to Francis, guiding him every step of the way. God spoke to Jonah, but kind of dragged him every step the way. A good meditation for you today. How is God leading or dragging you?
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen